By Fanuel Chinowaita
Mutare, 20 March 2026 – The Stage Carriage Unified Transport Association (SCUTA) has urged public transport operators not to increase fares following the latest fuel price adjustment announced by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA), while highlighting its continued low-cost service to Dangamvura.
ZERA recently set diesel at US$2.05 per litre and petrol blend (E5) at US$2.17 per litre, citing rising cost pressures despite confirming that the country holds more than three months’ fuel reserves.
In a statement dated 19 March 2026, SCUTA Chairman Esau Mupfumi acknowledged the pressure fuel prices are placing on operators but called for calm and restraint.
“We understand the challenges you are facing with the recent fuel price hike and would like to advise operators not to immediately increase bus fares,” Mupfumi said.
He stressed that while fuel accounts for a large share of operating costs, commuters are equally struggling.
“Roughly three quarters of our operating costs are fuel related, yet our passengers are feeling the pinch just as much. They have not received a pay rise, and abrupt fare changes will only add to their burden,” he said.
Mupfumi described the current price increase as temporary, driven by global factors rather than a permanent shift.
“The current increase is driven by replacement cost pricing and global market trends, not a permanent shift,” he said.
As part of efforts to cushion commuters, SCUTA said it has been maintaining affordable fares on key routes, including Dangamvura.
The association is currently providing buses to Dangamvura at a fare of US$0.50, a move seen as easing transport costs for residents despite rising fuel prices.
Mupfumi urged operators to prioritise service reliability and public trust during this period.
“We urge you to show restraint and maintain service reliability. Let’s work together to protect our relationship with the public we serve,” he said.
He added that conditions are expected to stabilise after month-end, giving both operators and commuters time to adjust.
“After month-end, we expect conditions to ease and employers and commuters will have time to plan,” he said.
The appeal comes as government implements measures to stabilise fuel supply and cushion key sectors, warning that without intervention diesel prices could have risen to as high as US$2.20 per litre.